THREE men are facing jail following a violent kidnap and attack on a man in Nelson.

And police today warned criminals who thought themselves to be "invisible", would be hunted down and taken through the courts.

The victim was snatched by a gang in October and taken to an isolated spot in Nelson where he was assaulted, badly injured and left.

The kidnapping and assault left the man, who has not been named, hospitalised for several days. While in hospital the offenders made several attempts to intimidate him into retracting the complaint made to the police.

The men, from Nelson, appeared before Burnley Crown Court this week and were convicted.

Zulfiqar Ali, also known as Babloo, 30, of Napier Street, pleaded guilty to kidnapping, actual bodily harm and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Shakeel Abrar, 20, of Bradley Road East, admitted assault and Tanzeem Yunis, 37, of Westmorland Street, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

DC Neil Morris, thanked witnesses for their courage in coming forward and the help they provided in this case.

He said: "This is a clear message to communities that if they are a victim of violence where they are subjected to intimidation and threats, we will vigorously investigate those responsible."

He appealed to people to have the confidence to contact the police.

He said: "These individuals are not invisible. If we work together, we can make Pendle a safer place."

The men will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on July 14 and 15.